Our Mission

To serve others and give back to those in need

Gratefully Serving our Frontline heros AND THOSE DEEPLY AFFECTED BY COVID-19

Aleko's Volunteers is a collection of projects, events, and outreach programs that make Aleko's more than just pizza!

Below is a radio interview with Aleko’s Owner Mark Savedes

Impacting Stories - Dinner for a Year and More! Contest

Mark Savades, Owner of Aleko’s was featured in Gander Newsroom Article >> “Michigan Restaurant Owner Gives Back in a Year of Uncertainty with Free Dinners—For a Year” 4/9/2021

Below are some featured winners of Dinner for a Year and More Contest:

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.17.26 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.17.34 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.17.40 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.17.45 PM.png

Karen McDonald - Winner

Karen was a hard working single mom her entire life who took care of her three kids; Adrienne, Benjamin, and Allison while waiting tables for 14 years before she took a job in the school system working with at risk kids. All of the sudden out of nowhere life was suddenly altered in March of 2018. Karen’s intestines ruptured which led to a spiral down of medical issues and complications leaving her in ICU and in a coma for over two months .

The family was told to prepare for the end and that she was not going to make it and they should take her off of life support. Karen’s family kept fighting and so did she. Karen received excellent care at U of M and her miracle of life happened there! She woke from the coma and started beginning the healing process back to health by learning how to walk and re learn everything in a rehab facility for almost 2 years!

When her daughter, Adrienne McDonald nominated her and shared pictures, (I instantly remembered Karen coming in to pick up breadsticks for her kids back in the day) and after hearing her story in greater details, I knew she deserved to be this weeks winner in my “Dinner for a Year and More contest”

Karen now lives each day with gratitude and cherishes every moment and most importantly she recognizes it’s a gift to be alive and one shouldn’t sweat the small stuff in life! In her own words , “Treasure every day and moment and EVERYONE matters”

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.22.01 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.22.07 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.21.48 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.21.56 PM.png

VIOLET - Winner

Over 101 years ago, Violet Was born in Canada before moving to Detroit! She has lived quite a life, surviving the Depression, family members, Wars, and so much more. Living thru COVID has not slowed her down and she still continues to shine light on all she encounters. Violet is a fun spirited, energetic lady with a zest for life who was driving just a few years ago and still doing the household chores daily.

I had the pleasure to cater her 100th birthday party last year and chat with her. She is as amazing, full of wisdom and so well deserving to be this weeks Winner in my “Dinner for a Year and More“ Contest!

Thanks to her daughter Judith for nominating her, Violet will now eat Alekos until the young age of 102!!

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.24.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.24.11 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.26.19 PM.png

Ronald Winkler - winner

Ronald is a Hero! He is a Father, Friend, Coach, Volunteer and spent his working life protecting the citizens in Oakland county as Sheriff. As most of us endure struggles in life, Ronald also did. He was faced with devastating news while on a vacation in northern Michigan and was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I have learned in my own life that “today” is a gift and how in an instant life can change. Ronald’s life changed in a split moment, leaving him wondering what’s next as he began fighting the cancer.

Mike and Jennifer look to Ronald as family and wanted him to know how much he’s loved and that he deserves to experience some happiness. When I surprised him, and heard his story, he was overwhelmed with joy and in that moment, I knew he was the right one to win!

As many of you know, we lost Aleko to Colon Cancer years ago. Since that time, I’ve developed a strong passion to encourage everyone to get Screened for Cancer by starting the campaign “Cancer Screening Saves Lives, Get Screened“ and hearing Ronald’s story and determination to fight cancer is another reminder to us all how precious life is. Ronald, we appreciate you, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers and you are loved.

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.29.41 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.30.03 PM.png

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 8.29.47 PM.png

Judy Watts - Winner

Judy was nominated by her daughter Robyn and is one lady who is always going above and beyond! She has dealt with many trials in life and keeps on keeping on! We love selfless people and Judy takes care of so many and never ask for anything in return!